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It’s safe to say that we learned some things about some teams this week through surprising results. It’s not time to overreact but this past week raised a few eyebrows for sure. As we approach the end of the first half of the WNBA season, here are this week’s power rankings.
1. Chicago Sky
The Sky came back from a WNBA record 28-point deficit to beat the Aces, the team they will play in the Commissioner’s Cup game. They also beat the Lynx on a Courtney Vandersloot three-pointer at the buzzer. The offense is really clicking, and if the defense forces a few more turnovers, most games won’t be close at the end.
2. Washington Mystics
While the Mystics did lose to the Sparks and Storm, they came back with a big win over the Aces. The Sparks beat the Storm, so it’s hard to gauge whether those are bad losses or not. But considering they beat the number one team on the road at full strength, I think they get the edge over the Storm.
3. Connecticut Sun
This past week the Connecticut Sun lost to the New York Liberty and beat the Atlanta Dream. It seems that the Sun has had trouble against the Liberty this season, losing the season series to them. With a second half of the season left, the Sun should be able to figure things out and do what is needed to compete for a championship.
4. Las Vegas Aces
For the first time this season, the Las Vegas Aces have lost back-to-back games, both in dramatic fashion. They lost a 28-point lead to the Chicago Sky and fell to the Washington Mystics in overtime. They would bounce back against the Los Angeles Sparks but even had a tough time beating them. The Aces will have to learn to close games if they want to be crowned champions this season.
5. Seattle Storm
After beating the Mystics, they fell to the Sparks at home. Nneka Ogwumike and Katie Lou Samuelson gave them a lot of trouble. Their three-point shot was great early and then fell off a cliff. We will see what the signing of Tina Charles means for their team and standing in the league.
6. New York Liberty
The New York Liberty won both of their games this past week. Marine Johannes has continued to play great for the Liberty, Sabrina Ionescu received her first All-Star selection, Natasha Howard got her second selection, and DiDi Richards is back in the rotation. Things are looking better for the Liberty than they did at the start of the season. They are starting to solidify their place as a middle-of-the-pack team.
7. Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks played the past three WNBA champions and played well against them. Going 2-1 last week, we saw this team play up to their competition. Nneka Ogwumike played fantastic as she was named the Western Conference Player of the Week last week. They lost a close one to the Las Vegas Aces, but it was good to see that their defense was as fierce as ever. Hopefully, their play can secure them a spot in the playoffs down the line.
8. Dallas Wings
The Wings went 1-2 on the week, and already without Satou Sabally, they lost Allisha Gray as well. They have some players who have really stepped up, and it will be interesting to see if they can get fully healthy and come together at the right time.
9. Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx beat the Mercury twice this past week before losing to the Sky. Sylvia Fowles returned to action after suffering a knee injury and recorded a double-double in her first game back. Good to see Syl back on the court in her final season. Hopefully, the Lynx can win some more games this season now that she’s back.
10. Phoenix Mercury
They lost two games this week before Tina Charles decided to leave the team and sign with the Storm. Their game was against the Wings that same day, and they were clearly motivated. Some players had some things to say about the situation after their win.
11. Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream beat the Wings last week but lost three straight. This team is built for the future. If their young players continue to develop the way they have and the Dream build around them well, This team can be a contender in the future.
12. Indiana Fever
The Fever played one game this past week and were blown out by the Wings. This season is about the young players continuing to improve from week to week. KELSEY MITCHELL BETTER BE AN ALL-STAR!
An avid sports fan and journalist who’s main focus is the lovely game of basketball. If I’m not covering the game, I’m either playing ball or watching it.
